Preservation funding for 3rd Legislative District in New Jersey approved

TRENTON -- Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Celeste Riley to preserve farmland, open space and historic sites throughout the 3rd Legislative District has received final legislative approval.

"This is our heritage, and preserving farmland, open space and historic sites will benefit our families and children for decades to come," said Burzichelli. "Farming, parks, recreation and historic sites and the jobs and tourism they produce are the foundation for a strong economy and a way of life."

Riley added that it's not only a smart long-term decision, but a decision that will provide immediate benefits, too.

The preservation funding was approved by voters in 2007.

The bills -- all approved unanimously by the Assembly and Senate -- would provide:

— $27.75 million to municipalities for farmland preservation (A-3891). It's sponsored by both Burzichelli and Riley and includes $750,000 each for Alloway, Pilesgrove, Pittsgrove, Upper Pittsgrove and Woolwich.

— $49.65 million for farmland preservation (A-3892). It's sponsored by Burzichelli and includes $2 million for Gloucester County farmland, $2 million for Salem County farmland and $1.2 million for Cumberland County farmland.

— $6.45 million to nonprofits for farmland preservation (A-3993). It's sponsored by Burzichelli and Riley and includes money to preserve farmland in Mannington, Lower Alloways Creek, Quinton, Alloway and Carneys Point.

— $15.56 million for historic preservation (A3899). It's sponsored by Burzichelli and Riley and includes $750,000 for the Bayshore Discovery Project in Commercial, $406,744 for the Jewish Federation of Cumberland County and the Moshe Bayuk House, $250,000 for the Salem County Courthouse, $50,000 for the Jewish Federation of Cumberland County and the Alliance Heritage Center and $29,767 for the 1857 Millville Bank.